Getting in the Festival Spirit

Plenty of warm days are now on the horizon with the arrival of spring and the highly-anticipated coming of summer. Accordingly, festivals abound with celebration themes of sun and soul. Festivals offer lots of fun–and generally for just a few coins–the chance to meet great people with common interests over a few days or an extended stay for good times that last forever. These advantages position the festival as a satisfying staycation or perfect go-to getaway.

Here are some of my favorite festivals sure to inspire and get you moving on your festival travel itinerary:

The Maralal Camel Derby

Camel jockeys vie for top honors during the Maralal, Kenya camel derby every year. Why not join them? Whether you spectate or participate, you are sure to enjoy this thrilling adventure in the Motherland. This year the festivities take place August 24 through August 26.

The Saint Lucia Jazz Festival

In beautiful St. Lucia, the sweet sounds of jazz serve as the soundtrack to your island getaway when you visit April 30 through May 11. The marquis boasts an all-star line-up including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kem, and Maxwell. This year the festival turns 14. This means continued cultural tourism and civic pride for the island and big fun for you.

National Black Arts Festival

Atlanta opens its doors to its most treasured cultural venues this summer beginning in July for its National Black Arts Festival (NBAF). This festival proudly hosts cultural arts conversations, exhibits, a marketplace and concerts that feature the Diaspora’s most talented artisans.